CNN Certification: Overview and FAQ
The Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) credential recognizes nurses with advanced knowledge and expertise in caring for patients with kidney-related conditions. CNN certification positions you as a leader in your specialty, proving you have the most up-to-date knowledge and skills to manage complex patient cases, optimize care delivery, and contribute to your team’s success.
Want to take your nephrology career to the next level? This article will walk you through everything you need to know to get certified, including eligibility requirements, application steps, and exam details.
CNN Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You’ll need a current, unrestricted RN license, a bachelor’s degree or higher in nursing, 30 hours of continuing education in nephrology nursing, and 3,000 hours of specialty experience within the past 3 years.
- Preparation: Read the certification preparation guide, review the exam reference list, and take the practice exam.
- Application process: Create an account on the NNCC website, complete the required fields, submit your documents, and wait for the instructions to schedule your exam.
- Exam: The test will have 150 questions, and you’ll have 3 hours to answer them.
- Cost: The exam fee is $350.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 3 years.
What Is CNN Certification?
Offered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), the CNN certificate is a specialized credential designed for registered nurses who care for patients with kidney disorders, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and kidney transplants. With this credential, you’re not just a nephrology nurse — you’re a specialized expert with in-depth knowledge of best practices and the ability to provide top-quality care for your patients.
To qualify for this credential, you’ll need to pass a specialized exam that tests your knowledge of nephrology. The topics you’ll need to study to pass the exam are divided into five knowledge domains:
- Concepts of kidney disease
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
- Transplant
- Acute therapies
What Does a CNN Nurse Do?
The responsibilities of CNN-certified nurses are similar to those of other nurses working in nephrology settings. In addition to standard nursing tasks like performing head-to-toe assessments and documenting patient care progress, you’ll also take on nephrology-specific duties, including:
- Dialysis administration: Set up, monitor, and troubleshoot hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis machines.
- Dialysis access care: Care for dialysis access sites, including arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, grafts, and central venous catheters (CVCs).
- Medication management: Administer nephrology-specific medications, such as phosphate binders, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs), and immunosuppressants for transplant patients.
- Transplantation care: Prepare patients for kidney transplantation and manage post-transplant care to monitor for complications like organ rejection and infection.
- Nutritional guidance: Provide dietary counseling for kidney disease patients, including low-sodium, low-potassium, and low-phosphorus diets, as well as managing fluid intake.
- Lab monitoring: Regularly assess lab results specific to kidney function, including creatinine, BUN, GFR, and phosphate levels.
- Care coordination: Collaborate with nephrologists, dietitians, and other specialists to ensure a holistic approach to patient care.
- Infection control: Adhere to strict infection control protocols, ensuring proper aseptic techniques during dialysis setup and maintenance.
Wondering where you can apply your specialized expertise as a CNN-certified nurse? You’ll be able to work in diverse settings, such as the following:
- Dialysis centers
- Acute care hospitals
- Nephrology clinics
- Transplant centers
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Long-term care facilities
- Nursing homes
- Home health agencies
- Research institutions
Additionally, certified nurses can take on leadership roles, such as that of nursing supervisors and charge nurses.
How to Become a CNN Nurse
Becoming a CNN involves a few important steps to demonstrate your expertise in nephrology care. Here’s how you can achieve this specialized credential:
1. Meet CNN Certification Requirements
Your first step is to meet the eligibility requirements established by the NNCC:
- Hold a current and unrestricted RN license in the U.S. or its territories.
- Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree.
- Accumulate at least 3,000 hours of nephrology nursing experience within the past 3 years.
- Complete 30 hours of continuing education specific to nephrology nursing within the past 3 years.
If you work in an outpatient hemodialysis facility, at least 750 hours (25%) of your 3,000 hours of experience must include one or more of the following:
- Apheresis
- CKD management (without kidney replacement therapy)
- Home hemodialysis
- Home peritoneal dialysis
- Inpatient acute kidney injury treatment with kidney replacement therapy
- Inpatient critical care with kidney replacement therapy
- Kidney transplant care
2. Prepare for the Exam
The next step is to get familiar with the CNN exam content. The NNCC offers plenty of resources to help you prepare for your exam. Here are some of the options:
- Certification examination application booklet
- Certification preparation guide
- List of references
- Online practice exam
- Test blueprint and specifications
Additionally, you can explore the CNN certification review course offered by the American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA) or invest in the Nephrology Nursing Certification Review Guide to supplement your study efforts.
3. Apply for the Exam
Ready to test? Create an account on the NNCC website and fill out the application form. Be sure to upload all the required documents, including proof of experience, education, and licensure.
After your application is reviewed and approved, you’ll receive an examination permit by email. This permit will include a link to schedule your exam at a computer-based testing center of your choice. Remember, you’ll need to take the test within the 90-day window listed on the permit.
4. Make a Payment
Submitting your application comes with a $350 exam fee. If you belong to one of the organizations listed below, you could enjoy a discounted fee:
- American Nephrology Nurses Association (ANNA)
- American Society of Nephrology (ASN)
- National Kidney Foundation (NKF)
- Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA)
5. Pass the Certification Exam
Wondering what exam day will be like? Here’s a quick preview of what you can expect:
- You’ll answer 150 questions.
- You’ll have 3 hours to complete the test.
- You’ll need to score 95 to pass the examination, which equals 70% correct answers.
6. Maintain the Certification
To maintain your hard-earned CNN credential, you’ll need to renew it every three years. Here’s what you’ll need to do to stay certified:
- Keep your CNN certification active.
- Hold a current and unrestricted RN license.
- Complete at least 1,500 hours of nephrology nursing experience within the past 3 years.
If you were a full-time nursing student during this time and want to waive the work requirement, you’ll need to verify your student status. Keep in mind that this exception is only allowed for one recertification period.
Frequently Asked Questions: CNN Certification
How can I verify my credentials?
Need proof of your expertise? The CNN certification verification portal is your go-to for confirming your professional credentials. Access the NNCC certification directory, select your certification, provide your first and last name along with your state, and click the “Search” button to view your credential details.
What is a typical CNN nurse salary?
Your salary will depend greatly on your education, experience, and the type of work setting you choose. For example, dialysis nurses earn an average of about $94,000 annually. Geographic location also plays a significant role in determining your pay. If you’re looking to boost your earnings, consider applying to one of these high-paying states for RNs:
CNN vs. CNN-NP: What’s the difference?
The Certified Nephrology Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP) is tailored for nurse practitioners with advanced degrees, like an MSN or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), who often work as primary care providers, diagnosing conditions and prescribing medications. Therefore, a CNN-NP study guide includes additional topics that cover these additional responsibilities.
Due to their advanced practice role, the CNN-NP salary is typically higher than that of CNNs, averaging around $111,000 per year.
Related Certifications
Want to specialize further? Take a look at these relevant certifications that can strengthen your expertise and career prospects:
- Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN)
- Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN)
- Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
- Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
- Certified Cardiovascular Registered Nurse (CVRN)
Looking for Nursing Jobs You’ll Love?
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